Dr. Luc Gauthier
A long-term study on the use of mandibular advancement appliances, led by Dr. Luc Gauthier of the University of Montreal, received a Clinical Research Award from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM).
Results of this study, which assessed the efficacy of 2 types of intraoral appliances in treating patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, were presented at the 19th annual meeting of the AADSM held in San Antonio, Texas, in June.
“The study showed excellent long-term compliance with oral appliances as well as a high efficiency and a very positive effect on blood pressure and cardiac rhythm,” said Dr. Gauthier.
In the study, oral appliance therapy was shown to be effective up to approximately 30-50 months after use, with daytime sleepiness, fatigue severity and quality of life measurements showing improvement.
For more details on this research project, see www.medent.umontreal.ca/pdf/fr/communique-gauthierl-2010-07-14.pdf (French only)